Sporting CP Stuns Bodø/Glimt in Champions League Comeback, Reaches Quarterfinals

Lisbon, Portugal – Sporting CP completed a remarkable turnaround in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, defeating Bodø/Glimt 5-0 after extra time at Estádio José Alvalade on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. The victory secured their place in the quarterfinals for the first time since the 1982-83 season, overturning a 3-0 first-leg deficit.

Dramatic Turnaround in Lisbon

Trailing 3-0 from the first leg in Norway, Sporting CP faced a daunting task. However, they ignited a comeback in the 34th minute when Gonçalo Inácio headed in a corner kick to give the home side the lead. ESPN reports that this goal sparked a renewed sense of belief in the Portuguese team.

Second-Half Firepower Levels the Tie

Sporting continued to press in the second half, adding two more goals to level the aggregate score. Pedro Gonçalves extended the lead in the 61st minute, and Luis Suárez converted a penalty in the 78th minute after a handball foul. Sofascore details the match events, including the crucial penalty decision.

Extra Time Decides the Contest

With the tie level at 3-3, the match went into extra time. Maximiliano Araújo scored just two minutes into the first period of extra time, giving Sporting the advantage. Rafael Nel sealed the victory with a goal in added time, completing the 5-0 rout and a 5-3 aggregate win. UEFA.com provides comprehensive match information and statistics.

Historic Comeback

Sporting CP’s comeback is only the second in Champions League history where a team has overturned a three-goal first-leg deficit. Barcelona achieved this feat against Paris Saint-Germain in the 2016-17 season, winning 6-1 after losing the first leg 0-4. The British ‘Guardian’ praised Sporting’s performance, highlighting their ability to overwhelm their opponents at home despite the challenging first-leg result.

Key Takeaways

• Sporting CP reached the Champions League quarterfinals for the first time since 1982-83.
• The team overcame a 3-0 first-leg deficit against Bodø/Glimt.
• Gonçalo Inácio, Pedro Gonçalves, Luis Suárez, Maximiliano Araújo, and Rafael Nel all scored for Sporting.
• This is only the second time in Champions League history a team has overturned a three-goal first-leg deficit.